Summary of Hannah Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Nothing is more characteristic of the totalitarian movements in general and of the fame of their leaders in particular than the startling swiftness with which they are forgotten and the ease with which they can be replaced. #2 It is a serious mistake to forget that the totalitarian regimes, while they are in power, command and rest upon mass support.
This support is not simply a result of self-interest, which is the most powerful psychological factor in politics. #3 The attraction of evil and crime for the mob mentality is nothing new. It has always been true that the mob will admire deeds of violence for their cleverness. The disturbing fact about totalitarianism is the true selflessness of its adherents: they will not waver even if their own children are being harmed. #4 The totalitarian movements aim at and succeed in organizing masses, not classes.
While all political groups depend on proportionate strength, the totalitarian movements depend on the sheer force of numbers to such an extent that they seem impossible, even under otherwise favorable circumstances, in countries with relatively small populations.